Interior of a merchant's shop

The present picture shows the interior of a dragon joss stick shop. In the center at the far counter is the craftsman making a joss stick, while customers wait to purchase their own. Joss comes from the Chinese word for idol or divinity, and joss sticks were and still are used today in various religious practices. It is believed that the burning of the joss stick, or incense, serves as an offering to deities and allows for a spiritual connection.